Blue Merle English Bulldogs get along with children, so they make great family pets. This breed doesn’t spend a lot of time playing, so they are perfect for those who want a low maintenance dog in terms of exercise. What you need to know about this dog is that it’s not actually blue.
A Blue Merle English Bulldog is a black dog but the merle gene lightens their original color. Random parts of the black coloring are diluted to a bluish-grey shade. Some Blue Merle English Bulldogs have a primarily gray-blue coat with a couple of black patches. Without the merle gene, this breed would have a solid black color.
Personality
Blue Merle English Bulldogs are brave and reliable dogs who love to have fun. One of the best things about them is that they are easy-going. This breed is happiest when they are being petted or just relaxing together with their humans. However, they can be quite obstinate. You may need to coax them to do something.
Blue Merle English Bulldogs respond well to training techniques that use positive reinforcement. Since they are strong willed, it is easier to encourage them with rewards than forcing them using violence. They are intelligent dogs that love to learn however, because they cannot do a lot of physical exercise due to their build, you have to keep their mind engaged and busy.
Socialization is also important for this breed. It’s best to expose them to other people and dogs from a young age. Bulldogs were originally bred for fighting, so some of them can be cautious of other dogs.
Getting your Blue Merle English Bulldog to meet other pets when he’s still a puppy can help prevent this problem. Your dog will be confident and relaxed around other pets and people.
Reasons to Get a Blue Merle English Bulldog
1. They’re not Fond of Exercise
Blue Merle English Bulldogs are not fond of running around. In fact, you might have a hard time getting your dog to walk. This breed is perfect for those who are too busy to walk their dog every day.
Blue Merle English Bulldogs can also endure various antics from other animals, as long as they don’t need to participate. They are ideal for families that have other pets such as cats.
2. Great with Children
This breed can put up with kids due to their laid-back nature. You don’t need to worry about your kids getting bitten when they put their hands in your dog’s mouth or ears, Blue Merle English Bulldogs will be happy to just laze around.
3. Excellent Watchdogs
Blue Merle English Bulldogs will defend their owners and even confrontenemies much larger than them. They are also not fond of intruders. Blue Merle English Bulldogs are loyal and dependable. They will bark or growl if they feel threatened or intimated.
4. They are Simply Adorable
Blue Merle English Bulldog puppies are plainly cute. Their short legs and wrinkles make them adorable. Puppies can also be extremely energetic but they start to calm down once they reach adulthood.
How to Care for Blue Merle English Bulldogs
This breed is prone to skin infections and dental problems, so taking care of them can be time-consuming. You have to check their mouth every day. Look for signs of unpleasant odor or tooth decay that could point to tooth or gum problems. You also need to keep the folds of their skinclean and dry because they can be susceptible to infection.
Inspect their neck folds and facial folds as well as the folds around their tail base. You can use a damp cotton wool to remove any debris or dirt you see. Their tail should be cleaned as well, especially if it is screwed. By keeping their folds dry and clean, you can prevent skin problems from developing.
Blue Merle English Bulldogs have a short, smooth and straight coat. You only need to brush their coat once a week. There’s no need to worry about feathering or curling. You can use a standard dog brush to manage their coat.
Health Issues
Blue Merle English Bulldogs are more likely to develop weight and joint issues due to their short bodies. They may not need a lot of exercise, but you should still keep them active by taking them out for a walk every day. By doing so, you can reduce their risk of gaining weight and developing joint problems.
Feeding Blue Merle English Bulldog Puppies
One of the most important things to keep in mind when feeding this breed is to change their food brand slowly. This will prevent them from having an upset stomach. Combine 1/2 of the old food brand and 1/2 of the new food brand for a week. You can mix 1/4 of the old brand and 3/4 of the new brand the following week. Change their food completely the following week.
It’s important to follow aregular feeding schedule. Feed puppies 3 times a day for the first 4 months after their arrival. You can feed them 2 times a day once they turn 6 months old. At 12 months, they can be fed once a day. They should be given a well-balanced diet.
If you want to give them commercial food, don’t forget to assess the first 5 ingredients on the food label. Make sure that the first 1 or 2 ingredients are meat, followed by veggies and grains.
If your pup develops skinproblems, vomiting or other symptoms of food intolerance, you should talk to the vet to determine the real cause of the problem.
Don’t give your Blue Merle English Bulldog puppy any human food. Chocolate, chives, garlic, onions, alcohol, avocado and nuts are harmful to dogs. It is also important to watch their weight. Since this breed can gain weight easily, you should monitor their body condition score.
A dog whose weight is normal has a tucked abdomen. His ribs can be felt, but not obviously seen. An overweight dog doesn’t have a tucked abdomen. A dog that is underweight has an excessive abdomen tuck and his ribs can be easily seen and felt.
